Reduced Gravity Experiments to Measure Cryogenic Two-Phase Heat Transfer Coefficients for Future In-Space Transfer Systems

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T0291-P

Reduced Gravity Experiments to Measure Cryogenic Two-Phase Heat Transfer Coefficients for Future In-Space Transfer Systems

PI: Issam Mudawar, Purdue University, Jason Hartwig (Co-I), NASA/Glenn Research Center

Overview
Maturation Objectives

The Reduced Gravity Experiments to Measure Cryogenic Two-Phase Heat Transfer Coefficients for Future In-Space Transfer Systems will develop highly accurate models for the prediction of flow boiling rates. Specifically, the demonstration’s objective is to obtain the first microgravity steady state cryogenic heat transfer coefficient (HTC) data. It will also measure HTC during parabolic flight as a function of gravity level, mass flux, and other geometrical and flow parameters.Data collected will inform new steady state HTC models for microgravity that improve predictive capabilities for in-space propellant transfer systems.

Technology Areas (?)

Problem Statement

Highly accurate flow boiling models are required to predict a spacecraft’s propellant consumption and determine the maximum allowable heating rates of the fluid. Currently, no cryogenic flow boiling data exists in the microgravity steady state.

Technology Maturation

The cryogenic steady state flow boiling data collected will be used to develop new heat transfer coefficient correlations. The data will improve the technology’s predictive capabilities, bringing it to TRL 5.

This work is a continuation of previous flight testing under T0041.

Future Customers

•NASA missions like Artemis, particularly for lunar and Martian ascent and descent stages
•In-space cryogenic fuel depots
•Nuclear thermal propulsion systems
•In-space commercial transfer systems

Technology Details

Selection Date

TechFlights20 (Sep 2020)
Program Status

Active
Current TRL (?)

Unknown

Successful FOP Flights

0 Parabolic

Development Team

PI

Issam Mudawar
PI Organization

Purdue University
Co-I

Jason Hartwig
Co-I Organization

NASA/Glenn Research Center
Sponsor